pentathlon
noun
pen·tath·lon
pen-ˈtath-lən 
-ˌlän,
nonstandard -ˈta-thə-
: an athletic contest involving participation by each contestant in five different events
especially
: modern pentathlon
Did you know?
The Greek word athlos means "contest or trial", so to be an athlete you had to compete in physical contests. The ancient Greek pentathlon tested warriors' skills in sprinting, long jumping, javelin throwing, discus throwing, and wrestling, none of which are part of today's Olympic pentathlon. But a pentathlete must still have muscles and reflexes suited to almost any kind of physical feat.
Examples of pentathlon in a Sentence
the winner of the Olympic pentathlon
Recent Examples on the Web
The final new event is also unconventional: Obstacle courses are coming to the Olympics in 2028 as part of the existing pentathlon.
—
Justin Klawans, The Week Us, theweek, 14 Aug. 2024
The obstacle courses will join running, swimming, shooting and fencing as the five events that make up the Olympic pentathlon.
—Justin Klawans, The Week Us, theweek, 14 Aug. 2024
Brundage had participated at the 1912 Olympics in the pentathlon and then spent his career climbing the ranks of sports administration.
—Debbie Sharnak & Yannick Kluch / Made By History, TIME, 30 July 2024
During the pentathlon, long jumpers used to rock back and forth to the rhythms of live flute music, then run and leap while swinging two heavy weights to increase their momentum.
—Philip Montgomery, New York Times, 25 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for pentathlon 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Justin Klawans, The Week Us, theweek, 14 Aug. 2024
The obstacle courses will join running, swimming, shooting and fencing as the five events that make up the Olympic pentathlon.
—Justin Klawans, The Week Us, theweek, 14 Aug. 2024
Brundage had participated at the 1912 Olympics in the pentathlon and then spent his career climbing the ranks of sports administration.
—Debbie Sharnak & Yannick Kluch / Made By History, TIME, 30 July 2024
During the pentathlon, long jumpers used to rock back and forth to the rhythms of live flute music, then run and leap while swinging two heavy weights to increase their momentum.
—Philip Montgomery, New York Times, 25 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for pentathlon
Dictionary Entries Near pentathlon
Cite this Entry
“Pentathlon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pentathlon. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
pentathlon
noun
pen·tath·lon
pen-ˈtath-lən
-ˌlän
: an athletic contest made up of five different track-and-field events
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share